Kevin Nash witnesses his own 52lb mirror

Kevin Nash’s Copse Lake produced its biggest fish to one of the first anglers to fish it since it was opened to the public.

The 52lb mirror, known as 4x4, fell to Michael Clements during a five-night session at the Essex venue, soon to be available on a booking basis.

After taking to a boat to free the fish from weed, Michael was greeted on the bank by Kevin himself. “This made the moment even more special, and one I will never forget,” said Michael.

“Even if I had blanked I can honestly say I had a fantastic week, but the capture of this beautiful huge carp made it even better. Church Lake is stunning, with equally stunning carp swimming about in its depths.”

Towards the end of a testing week in changeable conditions, Michael switched tactics to trip up the fifty. He said: “After trying a range of tactics, a switch to a pink Key pop-up straight off the lead in the thickest weed I could find proved successful.

“The bobbin lifted two inches before dropping to the floor, indicating the lead had come off. Picking the rod up I was straight away forced to give line as a very powerful fish made the first of several long runs.”